April 3 Calle Sur Latin American ConcertLatin American instrumental and vocal duo Calle Sur performs a distinctive concert. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. 635-2600. 7:30 p.m. Reservations.

April 4 - 6 Bennet Waters Foundation Golf ClassicPopular golf classic and auction gala to benefit the Bennett Foundation for Morquio research. Guest speaker Heather Whitestone McCallum, 1995 Miss America. For more information, call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

April 5 G.E.O.R.G.I.A. Oyster Reef RestorationUGA MArine Extension’s G.E.O.R.G.I.A. program needs volunteers to bag oyster shells for their reef restoration project. For more information contact Ashby Nix at 912-264-7323 or email anix@uga.edu.

April 10 Give My Reguards to Broadway ConcertPianist Scott Douglas of Atlanta performs a variety of wonderful tunes from Broadway. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. 635-2600. 7:30 p.m. Reservations.

April 10 - 12 Marty Lyons Foundation Celebrity WeekendJoin in for a great cause at the Marty Lyons Foundation Auction and Celebrity Golf Classic. Jekyll Island Convention Center. For more information, call 912-46-0808.

April 19 Shell-e-brate Earth Day!Come to the Georgia Sea Turtle center to Shell-e-brate Earth Day with the sea turtles. For more information, call 912-635-4444 or visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.

April 26 2008 Red Bug Motors Invitational Join Red Bug Motors for a fun filled day of golf. Scramble format with foursomes. Tournament benefits the oncology nursing society foundation. Entrance deadline is April 10. For more information, call 912-635-9330.

April 27 Sunday Dinner DanceThe Sunday Dinner Dance in the Grand Dining Room with gormet food and Wayne Tate’s “Four and Easy” band. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. 635-2600. 6:00 p.m. Reservations.

May 2 -3 Turtle Crawl and Nest FestCelebrate the start of the annual sea turtle nesting season at the Jekyll Island Beackdeck. To register for the triathlon, visit www.gamultisports.com. For more information, visit www.jekyllisland.com.

May 2 - 31 Reclaiming Past Glories Tour Celebrate Historic Preservation Month with a special behind the scenes tour of Hollybourne Cottage! Reservations. For more information, call 912-635-4036.

May 10 Summer Waves Season Opening! Happy 20th birthday, Summer Waves! Get your season passes now and celebrate! Park opens every weekend starting May 10th. Download the complete schedule at www.summerwaves.com For more information, please call 912-635-2074.

June 17 - August 7 In Service of Others Tour Explore the hidden world of the hired help at this upscale turn of the century resort. Reservations. For more information, please call 912-635-4036.

June 27 - 29 Jekyll Island Foundation Sea Turtle WeekendA weekend of activities celebrating the beauty of Jekyll Island and honoring the one-year anniversary of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. All proceeds benefit the Jekyll Island Foundation. Visit www.jekyllislandfoundation.org.

July 2 - July 30 Hands on History Tour Embark on a guided learning adventure for family fun! Wednesdays only, 9:30 am and 11:00am. Reservations. For more information, please call 912-635-4036.

July 4 CelebrationMusic and fireworks on Jekyll Island’s beautiful beach, plus live entertainment. For more information, please contact 1-877-4JEKYLL or visit www.jekyllisland.com.

July 5 Fireworks at Summer Waves! Visit Jekyll Island’s water park for a wonderful night of brilliant fireworks. For more information, please call 912-635-2074 or visit www.summerwaves.com.

August 15 - 17 Beach Music FestivalVisit the beautiful beach of Jekyll Island and listen to musical greats The Swinging Medallions, the Rickey Godfrey Band, and Second Chance. For more information, call 1-877-4JEKYLL

August 30 - September 1 Jekyll Island Gold Cup Adult Soccer TournametRegional and National adult soccer teams for for the gold as they compete in this three day tournament For more information please call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

September 19 - 21 Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp FestivalA weekend celebration of two of Georgia’s most beloved foods. The festival features a cook-off, live entertainment, and a kid-friendly fun zone. For more information please call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Tags: Jekyll Island April Beachscape, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island georgia
Posted in April 2008, Beachscape | No Comments »

A Hospitality Hero is someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty to help guests feel at home during their stay on them for their hard work on behalf of this beautiful island that we all love.

Cindy Smith is the Hospitality Hero at The Beachview Club. As a front desk agent for the past two years, Cindy routinely goes out of her way to make guests of The Beachview Club feel right at home. Guests often write letters or praising Cindy’s work.”She is extremely friendly, and our guests love her,” said Jimmy Dunn, general manager. “Anything that is asked of her she’ll do.” Cindy has even been known to bring home baked goods from her own kitchen to celebrate a regular guest’s anniversary or birthday. For more information on The Beachview Club, visit www.beachviewclub.com. Also, see page 2 of Beachscape for an in-depth look at the hotel.

Celeste George is a front desk clerk at the Quality Inn and Suites. Guests love her in part because it’s obvious that she loves what she’s doing. “She is great with our guests,” said Heidi Cook, general manager. “She always jumps right in to help, and she has the ability to calm a situation and keep our guests happy.” Celeste is relatively new to the hotel, having started work in December 2007, but her charm and presence are strongly felt at the Quality Inn and Suites. The Quality Inn and Suites is situated in the middle of Jekyll Island and is the closest hotel to the Island’s three 18-hole golf courses and the Tennis Center. The Quality Inn specializes in golf packages year round. The property bedroom apartments. Beach access is directly across the street. The Quality Inn is currently undergoing major improvements which include replacing most of the furniture. Please visit their website at www.jekyllislandquality.com.

Felicia Savage, who works in engineering maintenance at the Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, can do just about anything, according to General Manager Michelle Blackstone. “In a predominately male department, Felicia has proven she can do anything anybody else can do,” Blackstone said. “We count on her quite a bit.” From patching a wall to replacing a toilet, Felicia jumps right in. Felicia has been with Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel for the past three years, and during that time she has been chosen as employee of the month several times. During the hotel’s major renovations, Felicia took the lead by planning and directing the work. But most of all, Felicia has earned the respect of her colleagues. And, Blackstone adds, “She’s always smiling.” This spring the hotel is undergoing massive changes in a multi-million dollar re novation project. Fourteen buildings will have a complete overhaul from the electricity to the roof and everything in between. With 260 guest rooms and villas on 15 beautifully landscaped acres, plus 14,000 square feet of event space, the Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel is the island’s largest oceanfront hotel. Check out their website at www.jekyllinn.com.

Rose Meixsel, front desk clerk at the Oceanfront Inn and Suites, receives an extreme amount of favorable guest comments according to General Manager Jason Smith. “She receives no less than three positive guest comments in any given week,” Smith said. “People hunt me down to tell me about the quality of her service.” Rose makes it a point to warmly greet everyone who visits the Oceanside Inn. She makes the registration process painless. The Oceanside has many winter guests who visit annually and children who visit the hotel, and she even keeps dog treats for visiting canine guests. Rose is an extremely loyal employee and has been with the Oceanside Inn and Suites for the past eight years. The Oceanside Inn and Suites has recently completed $1.6 million in renovations, including the new Sand Bar Grill, the island’s only true sports bar. This sports bar is a true multi-pool tables. The Inn offers 178 guest rooms with views of the ocean including 26 suites. The Inn has updated all guest rooms and expanded its meeting space for a total of 7,500 square feet. Check out their website at www.oceansideinnandsuites.com.

Assistant Front Office Manager Tammy Young works tirelessly for the benefit of guests at Villas by the Sea. Tammy is a very dedicated employee having worked at Villas by the Sea
for many years. In addition to her front desk duties of scheduling and handling guests’ requests, Tammy is in charge of planning activities for the many winter guests who visit the Villas each year. “She took on the task of managing our winter guest activities and she does a great job,” said Ryan Merritt, sales manager for Villas by the Sea. “She works tirelessly and she goes above and beyond every day.” Villas by the Sea offers hotel suites or one-, two- or three bedroom vacation rentals. Situated on 17 acres, guests will find nature trails that meander through the property. Having completed nearly $3 million in renovations since 2003, work continues to constantly upgrade and improve the property. A larger beach deck is being added, as well as new landscaping on the grounds. New outdoor lighting fixtures adorn the property. And five boardwalks are being connected to for a better walking experience. Please visit them online at www.jekyllislanda.com

Barbara Williams, executive housekeeper for the Days Inn and Suites, is an excellent employee and supervisor. Not only is she recognized as a Jekyll Island hospitality hero, she has in the past won national recognition as the Days Inn Housekeeper of the year from a pool of 1,800 applicants. Barbara has been with Days Inn since 1999. During that time she and her staff have always earned great quality assurance scores. In her position, Barbara supervises a staff of 20 employees and deals deftly with the language barriers that she routinely encounters with her staff.“She is an example of what all executive housekeepers should be,” said Shirley Rayhon, general manager. “She is dedicated to her staff, the company and especially the guest by going the extra mile whenever it is required of her.” This AAA-rated beachside hotel offers 124 rooms and suites and a convenient location right next to the convention center. the highest rating that Days Inn can bestow. The Schooner’s Landing breakfast area has been renovated with new carpet and furniture so that guests may enjoy their complimentary breakfast in comfort and style. Check out their website at www.daysinnjekyll.com.

Ken May, housekeeping department, who recently received the Jekyll Island Club Employee of the Year award is also recognized as the hotel’s hospitality hero. Ken has worked with the hotel for just that time, his work has been excellent and his attitude exemplary. Ken has also been recognized as “Employee of the Month” several times during his tenure. Ken was commended for his work by General Manager Kevin Runner at the club’s annual awards banquet.”Ken’s dedication to his job, this hotel, our guest and his fellow employees does not go unnoticed. Please accept my personal thanks for a job well done.” settings: The Clubhouse, the Annex, Sans Souci, or one of the cottages - Crane or Cherokee. This historic hotel launched a $4.2 million renovation earlier this year. The project will completely refurbish the public areas and guest rooms in the hotel’s Clubhouse, Annex and Sans 32-inch television. The Jekyll Island Club is now a smoke free facility. Outdoor courtyard areas and verandas are still available for smoking. The hotel has also added 5,000 square feet of conference space to the existing ballroom. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel, constructed in 1886-1902 has been designated a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Please visit their website at www.jekyllclub.com

Tags: Jekyll Island April Beachscape, jekyll island beach vacation, jekyll island georgia, jekyll island hospitality heroes
Posted in April 2008, Beachscape | No Comments »

The Jekyll Island Fire Department Emergency Volunteers recently had several members receive service awards for ten years of service. Over the last ten years this group of dedicated individuals has spent hundreds of hours training, fund raising, and providing assistance to the Jekyll Island Fire Department. The Volunteers are responsible for providing much needed equipment to our emergency services. Some equipment came in the form of grant monies which were written for the department by key members of the volunteers. Other equipment was purchased with funds raised by all the volunteers utilizing just pure hard work on their end. Jekyll Island would like to thank every member of the volunteers for helping make our department as a whole what it is today. It is a pleasure having such dedicated people whose sole purpose is to help others! Ralph and Susan Steffan and Chip Ward also received a very nice retirement plaque as they announced they would be resigning after the awards and were surprised with a badge embossed plaque as keep sake for their years of service. Jekyll Island’s deepest appreciation goes out to all of these hard working and talented individuals.

Tags: Jekyll Island April Beachscape, jekyll island beach vacation, jekyll island fire department, jekyll island georgia
Posted in April 2008, Beachscape | No Comments »

The Jekyll Island Arts Association is pleased to host the Eighth Annual Glynn County High School Students’ Juried Art Show. Running from April 22 - May 5 at Goodyear Cottage in Jekyll’s Historic District, the exhibit will feature some of the best of our students’ work. The show is open to all high school age students in Glynn County who are enrolled in a formal art program in the County’s public or private schools. This year the participating schools are Glynn Academy, Frederica Academy and Brunswick High School. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded at this ‘for exhibit only’ show, with none of the artwork being for sale. Stopping in to visit David Veater’s Glynn Academy art class not only provided a glimpse of the students painting or sketching, but also a look at some of the wonderful projects that will be in the upcoming show. One eye-catching project was an array of realistic looking cardboard clothing, made using a technique called recto verso - meaning that both the front and back are realistically completed. Caitlin Barrow, a senior at Glynn Academy, likes the freedom provided to interpret set programs at her school. She says, “everyone works well together and is open to others’ ideas and art interpretations.”

Show coordinators for the Arts Association, Jim and Theresa LaPean, encourage the community, the participating students, their teachers, families and friends to come and share in the excitement of a variety of mediums on display. This exhibit is always an exciting opportunity to see what these talented teens have accomplished in the past year.

Everyone is welcome to view this exhibit by our young local artists and to attend the opening reception at Goodyear on April 27 from 1-3pm. Admission is free at the gallery and the shop where regular hours are Monday - Friday, noon - 4pm and weekends from 10 - 4pm. Call 635-3920 for more information.

Tags: glynn county schools, Jekyll Island April Beachscape, jekyll island arts association, jekyll island georgia
Posted in April 2008, Beachscape | No Comments »

By Andrea Marroquin, Museum Specialist

In April of 1886, Marshall Field became a charter member of the Jekyll Island Club. Like many of Jekyll Island’s prominent Club Members, Field was a self-made man with humble beginnings. Born in 1834 near Conway, Mass., Field was the third of six children. When his father sold the family farm to his older brother, Field realized he would need to learn a trade. At 15, he obtained his first job as a clerk at a local dry goods shop, where his employer said that he would never be able to run a store. Nevertheless, at 21, he moved to Chicago and gained employment with the largest dry goods company in the city. He slept in the store to save his $400 annual salary, and became a partner by the time he married Nannie Douglas Scott in 1863. They would have two children together, Marshall Field, Jr. and Ethel Field. In 1865, Field opened a dry goods business with some other investors. The company soon moved to a prominent building on State Street known as the “Marble Palace.”

The six-story building burned down and $3.5 million of merchandise was lost, however, during the catastrophic Chicago Fire of 1871. Then, in 1873, the store reopened only to be
razed by fire again just five years later. It was determinedly rebuilt yet again. By 1881, Field had bought out the company. His store, “Marshall Field & Co.,” catered to fashionable middle and upper class women. He offered personal shoppers, unconditional refunds, home delivery, an interior decoration department, telephone services, a library, a nursery, and restful places to meet and socialize. His store was the first to offer in-store dining, as well as a bridal registry. When streetcars were introduced, Field also ensured the availability of convenient transportation. Field’s policy was, “Give the lady what she wants.” In 1887, Field also opened a 500,000 square foot wholesale store that sold items in bulk to retailers throughout the central and western United States. The small-town farm-boy had achieved big-time financial, social, and political success.

Hobnobbing on Jekyll Island, he frequented the Clubhouse and Fairbank Cottage along
with the nation’s other business leaders. In 1904, his name was put forward as a potential
Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, but he refused to consider the position. Field, widowed in 1896, was remarried to a longtime friend and neighbor, Delia Spencer Caton, in September of 1905. Field died a few months afterwards, on January 16, 1906, in New York City. He had developed a case of pneumonia from playing golf in Chicago on New Year’s Day.
At the time of his death, Marshall Field employed 12,000 people in Chicago. He was the wealthiest man in the city, one of the wealthiest in the country, and the richest merchant in the world. What was the secret of his success? Field left the following advice: 1) Never give a note,  2) Never buy stock on margin,  3) Don’t speculate,   4) Don’t borrow,  5) Don’t mortgage your business,  6) Always pay cash,  7) Sell on shorter time than your competitors,  8)Sell the same quality for less,  and 9) Hold your customers accountable for their obligations.

Field left a philanthropic legacy to the city of Chicago, as well. He helped found what would become the Art Institute of Chicago. He established the Field Museum of Natural
History. He also donated the original tract of land to the University of Chicago, a portion
of which is known today as Marshall Field. John Shedd was appointed to serve as the company’s president after Field’s death. Shedd completed Field’s plans for a 12-story expansion of the State Street store, which would later become a National Landmark. With its grand reopening in 1907, the store briefly gained the glorious title of “the world’s largest department store.”

To learn about other members of the Jekyll Island Club, visit the Jekyll Island Museum
on Stable Road, (912) 635-4036. Exhibits are open to the public free of charge and tours
of the historic district depart daily.

Tags: jekyll island club era, jekyll island georgia, jekyll island history tours, jekyll island museum, marshall fields
Posted in April 2008, Beachscape, History comes Alive | 2 Comments »

If you take the time to look, you can still find special places in this world that remind you of a gentler time, a kinder attitude, a warmer reception. One such place is preserved here on Jekyll Island at The Beachview Club. Originally built in the 1960s as Jekyll Estates, the property was purchased in the late 1990s by Brunswick locals Jimmy and Linda Veal. Thanks to the hands on direction of the Veals, the restored and highly renovated luxury hotel offers warmth and a comfort level that some hotel chains can not. Recently, the
property was freshly painted and upgraded with new carpet and furnishings. With only 38 rooms, it’s the smallest hotel on Jekyll Island — one of its greatest charms.

Most rooms have an oceanfront view. The hotel grounds are beautifully landscaped, and the hotel offers a heated outdoor swimming pool and 16-person hot tub. The canopy of live oaks that surround the property is nothing less than enchanting and one of the many reasons couples choose The Beachview Club as their destination wedding location. The Veal’s sons, Daniel and Zachary, operate the successful Beachview Tent Rentals, the region’s premier party and event planning resource. They stand ready to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. For more information, visit www.beachviewclub.com.

Tags: jekyll island beach vacation, jekyll island georgia, The Beachview Club hotel on Jekyll Island, weddings on jekyll island
Posted in April 2008, Beachscape | No Comments »

Passport to the Century

Travel into the past. Hear the remarkable story
of the Jekyll Island Club in the American Gilded
Era, and enter two restored cottages filled with
rich tales and elegant furnishings.
January 2 - May 26, 2008
• 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm daily
May 27 - September 1, 2008
• 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm daily
September 2 - December 5, 2008
• 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm daily
$16 Adults • $7 Children 6-12
Free under 6 • approx 90 min

Reclaiming Past Glories

Tour the last Jekyll Island Club Cottage to be
preserved. Hear about the family that resided
in this vacation retreat and discover the steps
required to preserve the structure. Don’t miss
this rare sneak peak inside a cottage that is
only open to the public in honor of Historic
Preservation Month!
May 3-31, 2008 • Sat only • 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm
$10 Adults • $5 Children 6-12 • Free under 6 •
approx 60 min

Reclaiming Past Glories

May 2-31
Celebrate Historic Preservation Month with a special
behind the scenes tour of Hollybourne Cottage!

In Service of Others

June 17 - August 7
Explore the hidden world of the hired help at this
upscale turn of the century resort.

Hands on History

July 2 - July 30
Embark on a guided learning adventure for
family fun! Wednesdays only, 9:30 am and 11:00am.

For more information, visit our website at
www.jekyllisland.com.
To make reservations
contact the Jekyll Island
Museum at 912-635-4036
Tours operate daily except Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
Tour availability & pricing subject to change.

Tags: Jekyll Island April Beachscape, jekyll island history, jekyll island museum, Jekyll Island tours
Posted in April 2008, Beachscape, History comes Alive | No Comments »

Adopt a Turtle

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is proud to announce the long awaited Adopt-a-Turtle Program! With your donation of $50 or more, you can adopt one of our sea turtle patients. Current patients and already released patients with satellite transmitters are eligible for adoption.
When adopting a turtle, you will receive an official certificate of adoption, a letter from your sea turtle, a 5 x 7 photo of your sea turtle, weekly updates from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and you name will appear as an adoptive parent on the Georgia Sea Turtle Center website. If you chose to adopt a current patient, you also have the opportunity to be a VIP at the release of you adopted turtle!

Focus Groups

Focus Classes will be offered monthly and typically held on 4th Tuesday of every month at 7pm, with a few exceptions, in the classroom. ALL volunteers are welcomed! March’s Focus Class will be on Monday, March, 24 at 7pm in the Classroom and will be conducted by Dr. Bill Irwin, Director of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. He will be discussing the migration and navigation of sea turtles.

Join us for Turtle Tales

Turtle Tales has moved! We now offer this program on Saturdays at 10:30am and is FREE with general admission! There are so many books about sea turtles, it’s hard to choose! Our Turtle Tales program will introduce you to the many children’s books about sea turtles. This program involves a turtle-inspired book reading and craft for children of all ages. There will be a different book and craft each month.

Behind the Scenes

Ever wonder what it feels like to be on the other side of the Treatment Window? Wish you could get a closer look at the patients, off of the pavilion walkway? You’re in luck. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is pleased to offer behind-the-scenes tours. Guests will visit
food preparation areas, animal holding areas, and the treatment, X-ray and Surgery Rooms. Come join us for a closer look at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center from the other side of the Treatment Window. Tours are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 P.M. and are offered on a first come first served basis,–Reservations are required. Call early or sign up in the Gift Shop- Group size is limited to 10 guests. (912-635-4444) Cost: $25/Adults - $15/Children (Must be at least 10 years of age). Price includes admission.

Educating at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

School group attendance started to pick up in February, as anticipated, with approximately 200 students visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center in February! We took our ‘show on the road’ to Oglethorpe Elementary for an Outreach program for 200 1st and 2nd graders as a part of Georgia History Day! In February, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center Education Team has been attending numerous educational conferences throughout the state of Georgia, including the Georgia Science Teachers Association and the Georgia Middle School Convention, with more to come in March though July! In addition to making oral presentations at these conferences, they also host educational exhibits and pass out information about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

An Update on our New Patients!

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is very excited to share our news of Griffin! Griffin is a loggerhead sea turtle from the Daytona area that has been with us since mid November of 2007. He was not eating for a long time and had to be tube fed twice a day for several months. Just recently he has started to show interest in eating on his own and that soon developed into him eating on his own regularly! He is more active now than ever before, but he is still not as active as a healthy loggerhead and continues to float (not able to submerge).
We are no longer tube feeding him and he is off of most medications at this point. Several of our Kemp’s ridley sea turtles have lesions developing on the bridge of their shell (the area where the carapace meets with the plastron). We are looking at using antibiotic impregnated beads to slowly release antibiotics to the areas mentioned over time. Otherwise these young turtles are doing well – everyone is eating well and gaining weight normally. You may see some pvc objects in the tanks of the turtles – these objects act as enrichment items or something for the turtles to interact with, rub up against to scratch their shells, and snuggle up under when they want to rest. These objects promote natural behaviors and provide stimulation. Vida and Spitfire, both loggerhead sea turtles, are scheduled for release this spring or summer, depending on the water temperatures. Dylan is also scheduled to be released this spring, so come and see these turtles before they are fixed with a transmitter and released for a second chance at life! We have a new patient who was hit by a car
recently in nearby Brunswick. This animal’s name is Pleb, he is a common snapping turtle. He is not a sea turtle but a local wild turtle in need of veterinary care. He has a significant fracture along his carapace and is being treated daily at the center. He has some infection present and may be a great candidate for vacuum assisted wound therapy to help speed up the healing time. Common snapping turtles live in fresh water and are mostly aquatic, preferring to stay under water as much as possible. Please always be careful when driving on roads near suitable turtle habitat!

Tags: April 2008 Jekyll Island Beachscape, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, jekyll island sea turtles, sea turtle update
Posted in April 2008, Beachscape | 5 Comments »